“Since I came to St. Aidan’s I’ve made a lot of friends.” Parents of our day school students hear this a lot, not just because it is part of a song we sing, but because it is true.
Graduates from as far back as 1966 – the year this private, ecumenical school was founded – say that St. Aidan’s prepared them for elementary school academically and socially, in a fun, creative, caring and safe environment.
Our Philosophy
Each child grows and develops at his or her own pace, emotionally, socially, intellectually, and physically. At. St. Aidan’s Episcopal Day School, we recognize that these elements are interdependent, that our program must reflect this, and that we must respect the integrity of each child.
We strive to promote a loving, caring atmosphere rich in experience, materials, and equipment to nurture the total development of your child.
Our goals are to give your child a healthy sense of self, helping each to develop social, physical, and educational skills. In an environment of understanding, respect, acceptance, and assistance, we encourage interaction, individuality, creative expression, and, most importantly, nurture feelings of self-confidence.
Our Staff
Staff members are selected for their ability to relate to young children, as well as for their educational background. Each teacher is encouraged to continue professional growth by participating in staff development activities in order to improve skills, and learn about current methods.
Our Classes
- Class placement is based on both the child’s chronological age and developmental age, and is made by the school director.
- Each class has a teacher and a full-time assistant.
- For children who will be 30 months by September 1, there is a Tuesday/Thursday play program. Class size is limited to ten children.
- Three-year-olds have the option of attending either two or three days per week.
- Four-year-olds have the option of attending either three or five days per week.
- Older four-year-olds and young five-year-olds may attend a “young fives” class with a curriculum that focuses on social and academic skills.
- Children who are five by September 30 may attend a half-day kindergarten that meets five days per week, with an extended day on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Curriculum
The kindergarten curriculum follows the Fairfax County Program of Studies, Virginia Standards of Learning, and the Core Knowledge Kindergarten program.
The curriculum for the preschool classes is based loosely on the Core Knowledge Preschool program.
Our Facilities and Activities
In addition to regular classroom activities, our program includes weekly chapel, music, movement, and occasional field trips.
Our library has an extensive collection of children’s books and parenting books that are available for check-out to the families of St. Aidan’s.
St. Aidan’s has a safe, spacious playground in a natural setting that the children enjoy on a daily basis. Ininclement weather, classes may go to the Muscle Room, which includes a climbing structure and a variety of indoor gross motor equipment.
Four- and Five-year-olds may participate in the Wednesday Lunch Bunch program, where they eat lunch and play with their peers.
The Parents Committee plans several family-oriented events throughout the year. These include Oktoberfest, Santa’s Workshop, Family Fun Night, Dads Night, and the Ice Cream Social and Art Show.
Our Schedule
The school opens each morning at 8:55 a.m. Most classes run from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The exceptions are the Twos class, which ends at 11:45 a.m., and Kindergarten which ends at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
The school’s holiday schedule and snow day policy approximate those of the Fairfax County Public Schools.
Operation of School
St. Aidan’s Episcopal Day School was founded in 1966 as an extension of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church. The school is ecumenical, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national or ethnic origin.
The school’s operational policies, goals, and budget are guided by a board composed of parents, parishioners, the church rector, and the school director.
St. Aidan’s Day School is a non-profit organization. Fees are used to defray daily expenses, and vary according to program.
For more information, please contact:
School Director
St. Aidan’s Episcopal Day School
8531 Riverside Road
Alexandria, VA 22308
703-360-4160
staidansschool@verizon.net